Group cites reasons for banning firecrackers and fireworks

As the national and local government authorities brace for New Year Eve’s revelry amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a waste and pollution watchdog group reiterated the need for a decisive national ban on firecrackers and fireworks.

While recognizing the moves taken by some local government units (LGUs) to strictly regulate or completely ban the use of firecrackers and fireworks in welcoming the New Year, the EcoWaste Coalition expressed its support for a more encompassing prohibition to halt the pattern of injuries, deaths, fires, and toxic pollution owing to these non-essential stuff.

“It’s high time for our society to celebrate the New Year and other festive occasions differently with health and safety foremost in our minds.  We hope President Duterte’s plan to impose a total ban on firecrackers by 2021 will cover fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices, too,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“For the longest time, we have become accustomed to the bloody mayhem, raucous noise and massive pollution due to the use of firecrackers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices during the New Year’s Eve merrymaking as if our health and that of Mother Earth does not matter,” he said.

“As there really is no truth behind the oft-cited reason that firecrackers and fireworks can drive away bad luck or scare away evil spirits, we urge all communities and families to choose a healthier, safer and cleaner merrymaking to usher in 2021,” he added.

Dizon also pointed out that banning firecrackers and fireworks will be in line with the state policies to “protect and promote the right to health of the people” and to “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology” as stated in the Constitution.

Specifically, banning firecrackers and fireworks will contribute to the enforcement of several environmental, health and animal protection laws, including the Clean Air Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Water Act, Climate Change Act, and the Animal Welfare Act.

In pushing for a total ban on firecrackers and fireworks, the group cited the following reasons to justify such action:

1. Firecrackers and fireworks cause serious, if not fatal, injuries to users as well as to spectators.
2.  Firecrackers and fireworks generate carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
3. Firecrackers and fireworks produce toxic fumes that exacerbate the air quality and aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular episodes.
4.  Firecrackers and fireworks generate tons of toxic-laced non-reusable and non-recyclable discards disposed of in streets, waterways, dumpsites and landfills.
5.  Firecrackers and fireworks can lead to fires.
6.  Firecrackers and fireworks create thick smog resulting in poor visibility, causing public safety hazards.
7.  Firecrackers and fireworks produce ear-splitting noise that is painful for animals, especially to cats and dogs.
8. Firecrackers and fireworks burn hard-earned money for a few minutes of entertainment that is better spent for food, clothing, books, medicines and other necessities.

To address the concerns and needs of affected sectors, the EcoWaste Coalition also urged the authorities to prepare a plan, with input from concerned stakeholders, that will promote safe and sustainable enterprises, livelihoods and jobs for those who will be impacted by the envisioned ban on firecrackers and fireworks.